Actor Suraj Sharma, widely recognised for his breakthrough performance in the Oscar-winning film Life of Pi, says navigating careers in both India and the United States has been rewarding but difficult. The actor admitted that maintaining his presence in two major film industries requires patience, careful choices, and a commitment to storytelling.
Sharma emphasized that he spends considerable time evaluating potential projects before signing anything.
“There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes before choosing something. I’ve always been very selective about the stories, the characters, and the people I want to collaborate with,” he said.
Balancing opportunities across continents hasn’t been easy, he added.
“I’ve been lucky enough to keep myself going in this industry, in India, trying to keep a foot on both continents. It’s been tough, but it’s been great for me. I’m very fortunate to be among the few who get to do both.”
Suraj Sharma rose to international prominence with Ang Lee’s Life of Pi (2012), adapted from Yann Martel’s acclaimed novel. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Director for Lee, and featured Sharma as Pi Patel, a teenager stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger.
The actor has since appeared in films and series such as Phillauri, Gulmohar, Wedding Season, Homeland, and How I Met Your Father. He said that for him, the appeal of a project—regardless of where it is made—lies in its narrative strength and the depth of the character.
“They are very different industries, but both have great stories to tell, and that’s what I want to be part of. I’m focusing on quality. There’s a lot in the pipeline for India right now, and I’m excited. I miss working in India—it’s been a couple of years since Gulmohar released,” he said.